Hay is essentially dried grass or legume forage. For safe storage and to retain its nutritional value, its moisture content must be reduced to below 15%. This reduction stops cellular respiration and prevents microbial spoilage.
▸ Hay — Dried grass or legume forage with moisture content below 15%.
Example: Green grass cut, dried in the sun, and stored for later use.
▸ Moisture Content — The percentage of water present in a material.
Example: Hay must have a moisture content below 15% to store safely.
Characteristics of Good-Quality Hay:
- Colour: Greenish-yellow to golden yellow (not brown or black)
- Smell: Pleasant, sweet, grassy aroma (not musty or sour)
- Texture: Slightly brittle; leaves intact; not dusty
- Moisture content: Below 15%
- Leaf retention: High (leaves contain more nutrients than stems)
- Freedom from contamination: No mould, no toxic plants, no excessive soil
- Palatability: Animals should eat it readily and willingly
Audio narration — reads aloud, works offline
In your own words, summarise the main idea of this lesson.